'King' Kenny gives Blackburn boss royal approval

12:22pm Tuesday 24th June 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

FORMER Rovers boss Kenny Dalglish believes Paul Ince deserves his big chance at Ewood Park after taking a huge gamble on his first steps into management.

King Kenny - who delivered the Premier League title for Rovers in 1995 - yesterday gave his royal' approval over Blackburn's decision to appoint the former Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder as their new boss.

The legendary Scot is confident Ince has all the credentials to deliver success at Rovers due to his much-vaulted apprenticeship in the Football League's lower echelons.

It was Ince's transformation of troubled Macclesfield - and subsequent achievements with MK Dons - which has convinced Dalglish that the 40-year-old is well-tasked to continue the excellent work overseen by previous manager Mark Hughes.

Several eyebrows were raised when Ince took his first steps into management at Macclesfield in October 2006.

The Silkmen were rooted to the foot of League Two, seven points adrift of safety and heading for almost certain relegation, when Ince took over the Town hot-seat.

He immediately revived their fortunes, guiding Macc away from the drop to non-league on the final day of the 2006/07 season.

Ince then bolstered his CV with MK Dons, confidently leading them to the League Two title and further Wembley glory in the Johnstone's Paints Trophy.

"Paul has been very brave and, for that, he deserves this opportunity at Blackburn," said Dalglish.

"When he took over the Macclesfield job, a lot of people thought Deary me, what's he doing there', because the club had tailed off and were sending out real distrss signals."But he did a fantastic job just to keep them alive, and because of that he got the job at MK Dons - who he promoted in his first season.

"So the boy has done fantastically well, his managerial career has got off to a flying start."

He added: "Maybe the Rovers job has come a little bit earlier than what perhaps Paul would have thought.

"But he's going to a great club that's got fantastic people behind the scenes, people who wil give him a lot of time and effort."

Question marks have been raised over whether Ince has the necessary experience to step into top-flight management with little experience under his belt.

But Dalglish, 57, has dismissed those fears, and confidently predicts that the former England international will adopt the principles that served him well in League Two.

"Whatever he's got in his locker as manager, he took it to Macclesfield and MK Dons, and I'm sure he will bring the same principles to Blackburn," he said.

"I know the Premier League is a different level, but it does not matter if the principles are right."

In his first week at Ewood, Ince must begin to resolve the situation surrounding midfielder David Bentley, who has declared his intention to leave Rovers this summer to earn regular European football.

Bentley's desire to quit has disappointed Dalglish, but the former Blackburn boss believes Ince has the ability to manage big-name stars.

He said: "The only disappointing thing for Paul Ince is the David Bentley situation and speculation of the people that want to leave the club.

"If some move on, then he's going to get involved in the transfer market at a level that he's not been involved in before.

"I'm sure he will handle that - he's handled everything else very well so far."

Dalglish added: "The supporters on the terraces are not the most demanding - they are very respectful and will give him time.

"But by the same token, they will want to see results. The fans are not expecting Europe - probably just to finish in the top 10.

"If he can persuade most of the players to stay, and continue the good work of last year, then everyone can look forward to a decent season."

Impressing chairman John Williams and the club's board of directors, Ince fought off a number of high-profile candidates to land the Rovers hot-seat, with Sam Allardyce, Steve McClaren and Michael Laudrup all interviewed for the job.

And Dalglish has been quick to praise Williams for making a positive choice.

He said: "The Rovers board must have been disappointed because Graeme Souness left for Newcastle - and Mark Hughes has now gone to Manchester City.

"Graeme won the League Cup with Rovers and Mark also did a fantastic job.

"If Paul Ince is as good as their previous two selections, then I'm sure he will pretty successful.

"But it's a smashing club with good people - people that are realistic with their ambitions. It's a great place to go and work, with great facilites.

"I'm sure John Williams and the board of directors will have had - and deservedly so - a great deal of credit for the previous two managers.

"I hope it's third time lucky as well."